Drunk driving accidents in Southern Illinois are devastating events that can have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities alike. These accidents often result in serious injury or death, leaving victims and their families to navigate through the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath.

Moreover, the legal process surrounding these cases can involve dealing with insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and the court system.

Seeking justice and compensation for these accidents requires a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations in place, as well as the ability to gather evidence and present a strong case. If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Southern Illinois, it is critical to seek legal guidance to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to a Southern Illinois car accident lawyer to discuss your options and receive the support you need during this difficult time.

Drunk Driving on Rural Roads

One of the main reasons why drunk driving accidents are common in Southern Illinois is the characteristics of many rural roads. These roads often lack sufficient lighting, signage, and barriers, making them more dangerous, especially at night. With fewer law enforcement officers patrolling these areas, drunk drivers have a higher chance of going undetected.

Fewer Police in Rural Area

Southern Illinois is spread over a significant geographical area, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to maintain a strong presence on the roads. Large areas and limited manpower result in fewer officers on patrol in the more rural area, reducing visibility and enforcement of drunk driving laws.

This situation creates an environment where some individuals may feel emboldened to drive under the influence without fear of immediate consequences.

Fewer Rideshare or Public Transportation Options

Another contributing factor to the prevalence of drunk driving accidents in Southern Illinois is the limited availability of rideshare services and public transportation options. Unlike larger urban areas, where people can rely on services like Uber or Lyft, people outside of Carbondale often have to depend on their own vehicles or the use of designated drivers. This lack of accessible alternatives can lead to more drunk drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

Head-on Collisions Due to Drunk Drivers

Rural roads are often winding two-lane roads with limited visibility, making them inherently dangerous, even for sober drivers. The combination of rural roads with drunk drivers can result in devastating head-on collisions.

Head-on collisions often occur when drunk drivers fail to stay in their lanes and veer into oncoming traffic due to impaired judgment and coordination. The high speeds typically involved in these crashes amplify the severity of injuries, sometimes resulting in fatalities.

Injuries and Fatalities from Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accidents in Southern Illinois can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families. From severe physical injuries to emotional trauma, the impact can be devastating. In some cases, victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care.

Some of the more common injuries that people sustain in drunk driving accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Burns
• Severe soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Tragically, some drunk driving accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the unimaginable loss of a loved one. In these situations, the grieving families may also face financial burdens, loss of income, and the emotional toll of seeking justice for their loved one's death.

Seeking Justice for Your Injuries

If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Southern Illinois, never wait to take action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident.

Consulting a dedicated car accident lawyer can give you the necessary guidance and support to get through the legal system. An experienced attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Reaching out to a Southern Illinois car accident attorney is the first step towards seeking justice and moving forward with your life. Their experience and understanding of local laws and regulations will help you build a strong case. Take the initiative today and connect with an attorney near you to discuss your options and receive the support you need during this difficult time.

How Much Does a Southern Illinois Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

After a car accident in Southern Illinois, you may worry about the cost of hiring a car accident attorney.

Typically, car accident lawyers in Southern Illinois operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not require any upfront payment and instead receive a percentage of the compensation you receive from your case. This arrangement allows individuals who may not have the financial means to pay for legal services upfront to still have access to experienced representation.

Contact a Southern Illinois Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or someone you know suffered injuries or died in a drunk driving accident in Southern Illinois, seek legal guidance to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact a Southern Illinois car accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.

Remember, drunk driving accidents can have long-lasting effects on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Don't face this difficult situation alone. Seek the support and services of a trusted car accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process and help you pursue justice.

Contact a personal injury attorney near you today and take the first step towards finding resolution and moving forward with your life.

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1^st Offense

People who are convicted of a 1^st DUI offense are facing a one-year revocation of their driver’s license, a fine of up to $2,500, and one year in jail.

2^nd Offense

People who are convicted of DUI for a second time face much stiffer penalties, including 5 year revocation of their driving privileges, a minimum of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service, fines of up to $2,500, and up to a year in jail.

3^rd Offense

A third DUI conviction can result in in a 10-year loss of your full driving privileges, a minimum of 10 days in jail or 480 hours of community service, fines of up to $5,000, and a maximum of 12 years in jail.

Summary suspension of a driver’s license

A summary suspension of a person’s driver’s license is an administrative driver’s license suspension that is separate from any criminal proceedings regarding a DUI arrest. It can be imposed when a person refuses to submit to chemical testing after being stopped by law enforcement or if he or she fails the chemical test. Fortunately, drivers have the right to challenge the suspension of their driver’s license by requesting a hearing to review the suspension. The issues raised at these hearings can be extremely complicated, so it is advisable for anyone who wishes to challenge his or her license suspension to do so with the assistance of an experienced attorney. Most important, drivers have the right to refuse those tests.

Contact a Southern Illinois DUI defense attorney today to retain legal counsel

Individuals who are accused of drunk driving in Illinois are facing extremely serious legal penalties that can have an adverse effect on nearly every aspect of their lives. Call the Lawler Brown Law Firm at 618-993-2222 to schedule a consultation with one of our Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyers today, who handle DUI & Traffic related cases in Marion, Carbondale, Harrisburg, Mt. Vernon, and all of Southern Illinois.

¹ https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf

² http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501

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Eligibility for a Carbondale BAIID

To be eligible for driving relief, an offender must obtain a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), and a BAIID will be installed on the vehicle through the Secretary of State’s office. An MDDP and installation of a BAIID allow an offender to drive anywhere at any time as long as they are driving a vehicle installed with a BAIID.  A DUI offender is responsible for all costs associated with the issuance, installation, and monitoring of the BAIID.  The BAIID will alert the Secretary of State’s office if the driver attempts any incidents of driving under the influence or tampers with the BAIID device. An offender who participates in the BAIID program and is subsequently caught driving a vehicle without a BAIID device installed can be charged with a Class 4 felony.

BAIID Facts for Marion Drivers

If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI, or know someone who has, there are some basic BAIID facts to consider:

• Advanced technology: A BAIID uses advanced technology^[2] to read a driver's blood-alcohol content (BAC) before allowing the vehicle to be started. It is installed in the ignition of a vehicle and prevents the offender from starting the car if the driver’s breath sample registers a BAC of .025 or more. If the breath sample is negative for alcohol, the vehicle will start without incident.
• Random intervals: The BAIID requires an initial blow to start the vehicle and at random intervals throughout the trip.
• All drivers in the vehicle: Anyone driving the vehicle must use the BAIID. The MDDP holder is responsible for all actions recorded on the device.
• Monitoring: The Secretary of State's office downloads information from the BAIID every 60 days. If a violation(s) is detected, the offender will receive a letter from the Secretary of State's office requesting an explanation of the violation(s). If the offender does not respond to the request or the explanation is insufficient, the suspension may be extended for an additional three months per violation and/or the MDDP may be canceled. Three extensions may result in the car being impounded for a period of at least 30 days. Four extensions may result in the car being seized/forfeited.

Call a Southern Illinois BAIID Attorney

If you were arrested for a DUI, it is important to speak to a Carbondale DUI attorney as soon as possible to best protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys can assist you during all stages of the criminal process.  Call the Lawler Brown Law Firm today to discuss your case in a free consultation at 618-993-2222.

Lawler Brown Law Firm
1600 West Main Street
Marion, IL 62959-1146
618.993.2222

References:

[1] https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
[2] http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/BAIID/baiid.html

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Marion Dram Shop Law

The Illinois statute^[1] 235 ILCS 5/6-21 provides that an individual who is injured by an intoxicated person is allowed to bring a claim for damages against the alcohol vendor who supplied the alcohol. The claim may be brought for personal injury, property damage, and damage to means of support or loss of society. In Illinois, the vendor supplying the alcohol that caused the intoxication would be the named Defendant.

Marion IL Elements of Dram Shop Law

The components of a dram shop complaint are:

1. an injury happened to a person or property;
2. the injury happened within Illinois;
3. the intoxicated person caused the injury ;
4. the alcoholic liquor received from the dramshop caused the intoxication;
5. the seller or giver of the alcohol is a commercial entity;
6. the action is filed pursuant to the Dramshop Act; and
7. the damages for injury to person, property, and/or loss of means of support are claimed.

Damages in Carbondale Dram Shop Cases

Illinois law sets a limit on the alcohol vendor’s financial liability in dram shop cases.  As of January 2016, there is a $65,990.23 dollar limit for personal injury and a $80,654.73 dollar limit for lost support and companionship.  Both of these limits are an overall total per incident, not per dram shop. That means that if the alleged intoxicated party drinks at five different restaurants, the five businesses will be jointly responsible for paying the limit. They will not each be responsible for paying separate damages.

For underage customers, liability is even more severe. An amendment to the Liquor Control Act makes serving a minor a criminal offense, whether the alcohol was served in a business or a public location or inside a private home. If the underage patron merely becomes intoxicated, the crime is a misdemeanor. But if the underage drinker goes on to injure himself or herself or a third party, the crime becomes a felony.

Call a Southern Illinois Dram Shop Attorney

If you were injured by an intoxicated person, you may have a legal claim against the vendor that supplied the alcohol. Call the attorneys at the Lawler Brown Law Firm today to discuss your case during a free consultation at 618-993-2222.

Lawler Brown Law Firm
1600 West Main Street
Marion, IL 62959-1146
618.993.2222

References:

[1] http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=023500050K6-21

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“Driving Under the Influence^[1]” is defined in Illinois as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs including cannabis (marijuana) prescribed for medical purposes, or intoxicating compounds and methamphetamine. In Illinois, a driver is legally considered to be under the influence if he/she has a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more, has used any illegal substance or is impaired by medication.

Marion DUI Related Safety Provisions

Illinois Senate Bill 627^[2] makes several DUI related safety provision modifications to the Illinois Vehicle Code effective January 1, 2016:

• Restricted Driving Privilege: Removes the “hard time” provisions which currently prohibit driving relief for DUI offenders and instead allows offenders to apply for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit or Restricted Driving permit with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device.

- First time DUI offenders
- Individuals revoked for DUI and those on second statutory summary suspension

• Expansion of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device: Requires any offender with 2 or more DUI or reckless homicide convictions to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of a Restricted Driving Permit.  Requires, as a condition of a Restricted Driving Permit, a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, if the offender is convicted of DUI involving death, great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another.
• Warnings to Motorist Form: Requires certain individuals suspected of consuming alcohol to sign a written warning from law enforcement to acknowledge the warning.  A failure to sign the warning cannot be used to prove that the warning was not provided.

Call a Southern Illinois DUI Attorney

If you or someone you loved has been arrested or charged with DUI, it is important to speak to the attorneys at the Lawler Brown Law Firm today to discuss all of the recent DUI safety-related changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code and how they might apply to your situation. Call today for a free consultation at 618-993-2222.

References:

[1] https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf
[2] http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?GA=9&DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=627&GAID=8&SessionID=50&LegID=17630

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• First Offenders: A first offender is an individual without a prior DUI disposition. A first-time DUI offender is now eligible to apply for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit during the first 30 days of a statutory summary suspension. Previously, you were not able to drive during the first 30 days of your suspension.
• Repeat Offenders: A repeat DUI offender is now eligible to apply for a Restricted Driving Permit during a statutory summary suspension where previously no driving relief was available.
• Repeat Convictions: A person with two or three DUI convictions must obtain a restricted driving permit, install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device on all vehicles owned by the person and may only drive vehicles equipped with the device for a period of five years before full driving privileges may be restored.
• Four Convictions: A person whose driver’s license has been revoked for life as the result of four DUI convictions may apply for a Restricted Driving Permit after serving a five-year revocation and proving a minimum of three years of abstinence. The person may only drive vehicles that have been equipped with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device for the remainder of their driving career unless the law changes.

Requirements for a Carbondale Restricted Driving Permit Because of Four DUI Convictions

The requirements to qualify for a restricted driving permit are as follows:

(1) a person may apply only after five years from the most recent license revocation, or after five years from being released from imprisonment, whichever is later.
(2) the person must prove a minimum of three years of uninterrupted abstinence from alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, and intoxicating compounds; and
(3) the person must successfully complete any rehabilitative treatment, and be involved in any ongoing rehabilitative activity, recommended by a properly licensed service provider.

The Secretary of State is allowed to consider any relevant evidence to determine whether or not an applicant should be granted a restricted driving permit.  This includes any relevant testimony, affidavits, records, and results from periodic alcohol and drug testing.

Call a Marion DUI Restricted License Attorney

According to the Illinois Secretary of State^[2] in 2014, 90 percent of all drivers arrested for DUI, lost their driving privileges.  If you or someone you know is one of those people who lost their driving privileges as a result of a DUI arrest or conviction, call the attorneys at the Lawler Brown Law Firm today to discuss all of the recent changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code and how they might apply to your situation. Call us today for a free consultation at 618-993-2222.

References:

[1] http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=1446&GAID=13&SessionID=88&LegID=86166
[2] https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf

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What is it about these weeks that makes them so dangerous? One of the most obvious is the larger number of vehicles on the road, and the longer distances many drivers are driving. Summer is the time when vacation is common and Carbondale residents and students are on the move. In 2013, Americans logged over 780 billion miles on their vehicles during these 100 days. That’s a lot of driving and with a lot of driving comes more opportunities for drivers who consume alcohol during summertime parties and family gatherings.

Contact a Southern Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re arrested or charged with a traffic violation after an auto collision, or arrested for driving under the influence[2] during the 100 deadliest days of summer, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An alcohol or drug related driving offense requires immediate action to fully protect all of your rights. Individuals who are convicted of DUI may face serious consequences, including license suspension, jail time, and costly fines. Even a first-time offender may be subjected to the disastrous consequences of a DUI and the best way to beat a drunk driving charge is by obtaining the services of a skilled Southern Illinois criminal defense attorney. Call the Lawler Brown Law Firm today for a free consultation at 618-993-2222.

References
[1] http://www.nsc.org/pages/home.aspx
[2] http://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/drnkdriving.cfm

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